la Lettonie
DZIRKSTELITE | Riga | |
The
children’s dance group ‘Dzirkstelite’ was founded in 1962 under the
leadership of Imants Magone – the leader of „Liesma“. In the
beginning „Dzirkstelite“ was a dance school
for ‘Liesma’, later on it became an independent ensemble.
In
1985 „Dzirkstelite“ was awarded the title of Folk Dance Ensemble.
During
many years ‘Dzirkstelite’
has become one of the biggest children‘s dance ensembles and has more
particpants than its „big sister“.It is also a dance school, attended
by more than 250 children at the age of 3 to 14. The children study
Latvian folklore, the basic elements of ethnographic as well as classical
dance. Afterwards they become participants of the studio of „Liesma“,
and finally – dancers of „Liesma“.
In
1994 Janis Marcinkevics became the leader of ‘Dzirkstelite’. He has
realised the greatest part of his choreographies in ‘Dzirkstelite’ and
‘Liesma’. The possibilities of development have been guaranteed by joint efforts of teachers, parents and sponsors. |
LIESMA | Riga | |
THE FOLK DANCE ENSEMBLE
The
individual style and manner of performing, perfectly worked out dances,
wide range of art, bold experiments in the modern choreography, high
flight of fantasy, peculiar and original interpretations of folk dance,
which are based on the understanding of the nation’s folklore. These are
the features that characterize the Laureate of International Contests the
Folk Dance Ensemble ‘Liesma’.
The
Folk Dance Ensemble works since 1946. when it has been established and 15
years directed by one of the initiators of the Latvian Folk Dance Arvids
Donass. Starting from 1961 up to the present time the leader and the soul
of ‘Liesma’ is the choreographer Imants MAGONE. More than 50 dancers,
its own vocal group, band and the Children’s Folk Dance Ensemble
‘Dzirkstelite’ (more than 200 participants) are unitedby the love for
the folk art.
From
1974 ‘Liesma’ occupies the leading place among the Latvian Ensembles.
Having taken part into two World Festivals of Youth and Students in Berlin
and Moscow, the ensemble has been awarded the golden medal. Having
participated into the International Exhibition ‘Portopia-81’ in Japan,
‘Liesma’ has been recognized as the best one among the ensembles from
58 countries, which has given concerts in the exhibition. ‘Liesma’ is
the laureate of the two International Folk Dance contests-in Hungary and
Great Britain. The ensemble is awarded the highest titles, that are given
to the groups of folk art - the Folk Group and the Honored Group.
‘Liesma’ still is the only ensemble in Latvia having such great
achievements at home and abroad.
The
spectators from Poland, Rumania, Rissia, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria,
Finland, Belgium, France, Switzerland, Iceland, Cuba, Japan, Canada,
Germany, Sweden etc. have applauded to the art of the ensemble.
‘Liesma’
is shot by the Latvian and foreign TV companies. The most popular
broadcasting programs are ‘The Axiom of Dance’, ‘The Ancient Dance’,
‘Come, Little Sister, Have a Dance’ etc. |